Americans are not skipping the holidays this year, but many are getting choosier about where the money goes. Two new surveys released this week paint a similar picture.

Market research firm Circana surveyed 3,534 U.S. consumers. It found shoppers expect to spend an average of $779 this holiday season, a bit less than $796 last year, Home Textiles Today reported. More than 1 in 5 plan to spend over $1,000. Circana expects total holiday spending to land between a 1% drop and a 2.5% rise from last year.

The Penny Hoarder, a personal finance site, asked 1,000 adults the same kind of question. Its survey, published on Yahoo Finance, found an average planned spend of $818. About 26% expect to spend $1,000 or more.

Rising prices are shaping plans. In the Penny Hoarder survey, 77% said they will change how they buy gifts. Some 46% will buy fewer gifts and 40% will pick cheaper ones. Still, 46% said gifts for children are off-limits for cuts. More than half said they feel family or social pressure to spend more than they can afford.

Circana found 74% plan to stretch their dollars with sales, store brands and fewer extras. Many want gifts that feel personal, such as wellness items, hobby gear or experiences.

Travel is taking a hit. More than one-third of Circana respondents said they are canceling or delaying holiday travel because of cost. One in five people in the Penny Hoarder survey said they will skip travel entirely.

Tips from the Penny Hoarder: set a holiday budget now, put money aside each week in a separate savings fund, and avoid carrying credit card balances into next year.

What we know: Shoppers plan to spend around $800 but are trimming gift lists and travel.
What we don't: Whether higher prices will push actual spending up or down by December.